Cabin Culture

Today we're welcoming Jessie Lane, an interior designer based in Los Angeles who created what might be the most unique cabin interior I've ever seen. During the pandemic, Jessie and her husband purchased a log cabin in North Carolina sight unseen—a decision that launched a three-year design journey that would challenge everything you think you know about cabin interiors. Jessie describes herself as someone who loves novelty and wants spaces to transport people, which explains why her approach to this traditional log cabin was anything but traditional. What started as plans for a Big Sur-inspired 70s aesthetic evolved into something she calls "fairy tale meets Art Nouveau"—complete with stained glass windows, rich wallpapers applied directly alongside massive logs, and custom furniture pieces she invented specifically for the space. This isn't just a cabin makeover story—it's a masterclass in creative problem-solving and trusting your artistic instincts. Jessie walks us through her discovery that working with logs means embracing richness rather than fighting it, why cream walls felt "unfinished" next to the natural wood, and how a failed stained glass installation in the kitchen hood led to an even better solution that became the centerpiece of the space. We explore the philosophy behind her design choices, from incorporating meaningful family heirlooms like her grandmother's clock to creating custom pieces like the Shasha sofa that transforms from seating to a proper guest bed. Jessie also opens up about the emotional challenges of the creative process, the frustration that's actually a necessary part of innovation, and why she believes interior design is ultimately about creating "soulful spaces for your story." Whether you're struggling with how to design around existing wood elements, curious about mixing traditional and modern pieces, or wondering how to trust your creative instincts when everyone says it won't work, this conversation offers both practical advice and philosophical permission to create something truly unique. Instagram: @jessielaneinteriors Website Architectural Digest Feature Cozy Rock Contact Info Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

On today’s episode we're doing something a little different—this is less traditional cabin content and more behind-the-scenes business and social media strategy. But, if you’re anything like me, who is currently facing social media dilemmas as we expand our to a new property, then this might be just what you need to hear. In this episode I’m chatting with Taylor Hildreth, a social media expert who documented her A-frame cabin build from foundation to launch, growing from zero to 30,000 followers before opening for guests. She successfully transitioned from a single-property Instagram account to a broader Minnesota travel brand with over 130,000 followers. This conversation tackles a challenge many cabin owners face, including myself: what happens when you expand beyond one property? Do you start fresh accounts or rebrand your existing one? Taylor shares the real challenges of pivoting a 30,000-follower account, including the year-long growth stall, behind-the-scenes criticism, and why she decided it was worth losing followers to build the brand she actually wanted. We dive into practical strategies for managing this transition and explore the psychology of social media growth—why consistency matters more than perfect content, how to build authentic engagement, and the trap of viral content that attracts the wrong audience for your business goals. Whether you're just starting to document your first build, managing multiple property accounts, or considering a major rebrand, this conversation offers practical strategies from someone who's successfully navigated these transitions. Instagram: @taytakesatrip and @hilhausaframe Website: https://taytakesatrip.com Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48902510?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadc1tYNll7gGebLwk9m3pF8XFXuf_5RjbuX1bOfUilSQxGCVTCPVX5Md3rEdQ_aem_21yw2a8iFbIUZK3yFpesKg&source_impression_id=p3_1758675105_P32oaS6dryvDviZk Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Emmy award-winning host Jack Stewart spent seven years bringing national parks to television through ABC's "Rock the Park" and now creates adventure content on his YouTube channel "Tiny Cabin Life." After losing his father to cancer, Jack transitioned from corporate TV to independent content creation, discovering that cabin content resonated more with audiences than traditional adventure vlogs. Jack has built six different cabins, including portable versions on wheels that range from a seven-by-twelve-foot family structure with full kitchen to a five-by-eight-foot cabin he pulls behind an e-bike. He shares how he creates livable spaces for under $6,500, the challenge of balancing content creation with authentic outdoor experiences, and insights from his glamping industry work. We explore his transition to YouTube independence, the heartwarming story of how his golden retriever Ellie chose him during a camping trip, and his philosophy that authentic experiences matter more than perfect production values. Whether you're interested in tiny cabin builds, YouTube content creation, or maintaining authenticity while sharing outdoor adventures online, this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone living at the intersection of adventure and entrepreneurship. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinyCabinLife Instagram: @jackfsteward Website: https://www.jacksteward.com/ Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Mary Bauer built a luxury baby furniture empire (Brat Decor) that furnished celebrity nurseries for Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians, and Alec Baldwin. When her husband's cancer diagnosis forced them to downsize their business, they transformed their handbuilt West Virginia cabin into a premium rental—pricing it 4-5x higher than local competition and succeeding. Mary's unexpected journey includes a 20-year obsession with George Washington that led to Martha Washington reenacting and designing their next rental around Revolutionary War themes. We explore how business expertise translates to hospitality success, why authentic materials and storytelling command premium rates, and the unique touches that set luxury cabins apart—including custom property apps and personal guest consultations. From 120-year-old reclaimed logs to engineering disappearing pool decks, this conversation reveals how passion projects become profitable when authenticity meets business acumen. Instagram: @wvluxurycabins Website: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qSmsxeKZ8YyWXXreo1ADsnEUEZ_MSILqy1Upu3tJHVI/edit?tab=t.0 Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Dale Mulfinger, an architect and self-proclaimed "cabinologist" who literally wrote the book on what makes a cabin a cabin. Dale has spent over three decades designing cabins across the upper Midwest, taught university courses on cabin architecture, and authored multiple books including "Cabinology" and "The Family Cabin." His research began when a client asked him to design a cabin and he realized he didn't actually know what distinguished a cabin from a house—so he sent university students into "cabin land" with rolls of film to document 100 cabins and figure out what made some feel more "cabin-like" than others. What emerged from that research—and from 35 years of practice—is a philosophy that cabins aren't defined by logs or rustic aesthetics, but by function: they're modest structures connected to meaningful sites that prioritize social bonding over private retreat. Unlike homes where bedrooms serve as escape spaces, cabin bedrooms are deliberately connected to the communal areas because "it's all about bonding." Dale's own cabin, co-owned with another couple, showcases these principles with creative touches like leaf patterns cut into railings, ash trees incorporated into the kitchen island, and a two-sided fireplace built with stones he wheelbarrowed from a nearby gravel pit. We'll explore his strong opinions about screen doors that slam, variable ceiling heights, and why contemporary cabins with soaring windows often miss the point of horizontal lake views. Beyond design philosophy, Dale offers practical wisdom about finding good builders (hint: ask at the lumber yard who pays their bills), the economics of custom versus pre-made plans, and why homemade cookies can be as important as architectural drawings when working with craftsmen. He also tackles the rental market's impact on cabin design, noting how insurance requirements and code compliance can strip away some of the personality that makes cabins special. Whether you're dreaming of building your first cabin, curious about what separates genuine cabin culture from Instagram-friendly imitations, or just want to understand why a good screen door slam might be more important than granite countertops, this conversation offers both philosophical insight and practical guidance from someone who has dedicated his career to understanding these special places. https://salaarc.com/people/dale-mulfinger/ Portfolio of Work: https://salaarc.com/people/dale-mulfinger/ 'Cabinology' ‘The Family Cabin’ Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we talked with Kara from the legendary Alpaca Treehouse in Atlanta, Georgia—a property so unique that it might literally be the only one of its kind in the world. What started with gateway livestock chickens and a treehouse built for wine nights with friends has evolved into something that defies categorization: a bamboo jungle sanctuary in the middle of the city, complete with rescued llamas, alpacas, and guanacos, where dying children find comfort and grieving parents practice yoga. From accidentally rescuing some of only 200 guanacos in the country to hosting hip-hop music videos and Netflix shows, Kara's journey illustrates what happens when you follow your intuition instead of a business plan. Within three weeks of launching, she was featured on Treehouse Masters. Her properties now span two states and include everything from a renovated 1963 trailer overlooking waterfalls to an underground Hobbit house designed like a European castle. As a former general contractor turned full-time host, Kara's approach to building involves saving both animals and architectural antiques—her front door was once the mayor of Atlanta's back door, and her floors came from a 1900s church. We'll explore how she sources reclaimed materials, trains crews to work with vintage pieces, and why she believes boring is her kryptonite. Whether you're dreaming of your first unique stay or wondering how to create something truly one-of-a-kind, this conversation offers insights into following that electrified feeling, the power of becoming obsessed with your craft, and why sometimes the universe sends you unwanted goats to redirect your path. Instagram: @alpacatreehouse Booking Link: https://www.alpacatreehouse.com USA Today feature: https://10best.usatoday.com/travel/10-best-hotels-animal-lovers-sanctuaries-united-states/ Llama Yoga: https://www.alpacatreehouse.com/experience Alpaca Treehouse in the news: https://www.alpacatreehouse.com/press Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Back with our SECOND ever solo episode, that I am still very much anxious about. Am I oversharing? Should I wait until things are finalized? Am I not sharing enough? Are my thoughts unorganized and slightly chaotic? Who knows. But here we are! Instagram: @cozyrockcabin Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're speaking with Kathleen, a writer and single mother who transformed six acres of Vermont farmland into something much more profound than a business strategy. What began as a practical solution—making the land pay for itself after moving from affluent Marin County to rural Vermont—has evolved into a masterclass in heart-centered hospitality and the radical act of leading with generosity of spirit. From the community barn raising that erected her yurt to the profound connections she's discovered through hosting strangers, Kathleen's story challenges everything we think we know about successful hospitality. She's created a unicorn experience not through Egyptian cotton sheets or high-end finishes, but through intentionality, care, and what she calls "tending"—the art of creating spaces where people can exhale into beauty and belonging. In our conversation, we explore how suffering can deepen our capacity for connection, why clear is kind when setting boundaries, and how a generosity of spirit can transform both host and guest. We'll discuss the difference between transactional and relational hosting, why Target sheets can create luxury experiences, and how our current culture's emphasis on protection over connection might be keeping us from the very experiences we crave most. Whether you're just starting your hosting journey or questioning how to maintain heart in an increasingly competitive market, this conversation offers a different path—one that suggests the way we show up is what determines what comes back to us, and that maybe, just maybe, most people are good at their core. Instagram: @vermont.retreat Website: https://www.thevermontretreat.com Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're speaking with Chase, who has taken the concept of rapid scaling to a whole new level. In just five years, he's gone from buying his first cabin in Running Springs, California, to owning eight properties across multiple states—all while maintaining a full-time career as a loan officer and raising a family. What started as a weekend retreat they could barely use because it kept getting booked has evolved into a sophisticated development and investment strategy that includes land hacking, private money raising, and even flipping Teslas to fund cabin purchases. From adding patina to brand-new renovations with personal record collections to creating secret amenities that delight guests through treasure hunts, Chase has mastered both the emotional and financial sides of the cabin business. We'll explore his three-role framework of visionary, manager, and technician, why he believes cabins should be about intentional experiences rather than convenience, and how strategic placement in established markets has allowed him to scale without heavy marketing investments. Whether you're dreaming of your first cabin or wondering how to grow beyond your current portfolio, this conversation offers insights into the systems, partnerships, and mindset shifts that enable rapid growth while maintaining the magic that makes cabins special. Plus, we dive deep into unconventional marketing tactics, from color contrast theory in Airbnb photos to maximizing SEO across multiple booking platforms. Instagram: @lightfootcabin Booking Site: https://charifavacationrentals.holidayfuture.com/all-listings Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today I'm chatting with Steph, the force behind North Country Cabin Co., who has been building a Wisconsin lake cabin empire for over a decade. What started as a corporate escape plan and a podcast-inspired lightbulb moment has evolved into four distinctive lake properties and a completely reimagined life centered around what truly fills her up. From drilling wells that cost double the estimate to managing hot tub maintenance across multiple properties, Steph shares the unglamorous realities that most people don't realize about running cabins. But she also reveals how fostering over sixty dogs taught her about transformation and joy—lessons that translate beautifully to watching guests fall in love with the same lakes and landscapes that captured her heart years ago. We'll explore her journey from house-hacking duplexes to building cabins from napkin sketches, the systems that allow her to manage four properties while raising two toddlers, and why she now prioritizes energy management over time management. Plus, we dive into hot topics like cameras on lake properties, the reality of cabin expenses, and why sometimes the best business strategy is simply creating spaces you genuinely love and helping others see what you see in them. Whether you're dreaming of your first lake cabin or scaling beyond your current properties, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and a reminder that there are countless ways to build a life around what brings you joy. Instagram: @northcountrycabinco Booking Site: https://northcountrycabinco.com Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

I am excited to launch a new format for some of our podcast episodes! I'm calling these 'Anchor Episodes', and they're just me 😬They'll be a bit shorter, and will be a deep dive of some of the ideas/thoughts/concepts that I reference regularly (but briefly) during our interviews with guests. My hope is it will provide some helpful content for regular listeners, as well as a way to share in the future on episodes where we mention these. This episode is all about the 'Unicorn, Work Horse and Donkey' business model comparison, the creative genius of Annemie Tonken (Photographer & Podcast host). I was listening to the podcast episode linked below on a long drive to the cabin several years ago, and couldn't stop thinking about how it applied to the world of AirBNB's and STR's. So in this episode I start by explaining the three models, and then give examples for each from my own properties where I've hosted guests over the last 10 years. I would LOVE your feedback on 1) if this is helpful and enjoyable, 2) what topics you would like me to cover and 3) any suggestions for how we can make it even better! Annemie Tonken, 'This Can't Be That Hard': https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/ Episode that got me thinking about all this: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/038 Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today I'm speaking with Mia, a clinical psychologist who transformed childhood memories of a Maine dairy farm into a healing refuge for her family after profound loss. When Mia and her husband lost their six-and-a-half-year-old daughter Eloise, they discovered that all the therapeutic tools in the world couldn't shield them from devastation—but they could find solace in returning to the place where Mia felt most herself as a child. Three Sisters Farm isn't just a 1850s rambling farmhouse on eleven acres in mid-coast Maine; it's a testament to the healing power of place and the courage to rebuild after tragedy. From discovering Sarah Morton's signature scratched in the original window glass to creating outdoor living spaces that invite guests to simply be, Mia has crafted a space where the truest versions of ourselves can emerge. In our conversation, we explore how physical spaces can facilitate healing, the difference between being and doing, and why sometimes the most important journey is back to who we were before the world told us who we should be. We'll discuss the privilege inherent in creating these escapes while acknowledging that relentlessness alone can't conquer everything, and how sharing these sanctuaries with others becomes both a practical necessity and an unexpected gift. Whether you're drawn to farmhouse culture, cabin culture, or simply searching for your own place of respite, this conversation offers profound insights into how we can create spaces that honor our deepest needs while opening our hearts to community and connection. Website: https://www.threesistersfarmmaine.com IG Handle: @threesistersfarmmaine Video, by Ethan Abitz: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yt53KmC5dgiWLbCgIxerKay-Z5S0A5jx/view?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeyWzyuONncByvo4tVDu0P2k7iypbl7gYc55YAfjX1Qd5hJFbpleghNiUoeOg_aem_L0AoWMM0Z8qaXCS60N1QGw Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Maura, an interior designer who created the Everwoods brand in Ohio's stunning Hocking Hills region. Drawing inspiration from childhood summers at a Wyoming dude ranch, Maura and her husband Tony have built four distinctive cabins that showcase the evolution from rustic log cabins to modern mountain retreats in this hidden Midwest gem. What started as a dream to escape corporate America has become a lesson in brand building, strategic partnerships, and navigating the complexities of hosting both intimate couples and large groups. From hand-sketching blueprints at their kitchen table to managing two HVAC failures in a single winter, Maura shares the realities of running multiple properties while maintaining a full-time design business. We'll explore her approach to creating functional layouts that cater to different guest dynamics, the challenge of protecting families from themselves in our hyperconnected world, and how she's adapted to market changes with innovative add-on services ranging from in-cabin massage to photography sessions. Whether you're considering your first cabin investment or looking to scale an existing operation, this conversation offers honest insights into the emotional labor of hospitality, the unexpected rewards of building community with guests, and why sometimes the most foolproof solution means removing the remote control entirely. Website: https://www.theeverwoods.com Interior Design Website: https://theeverwoodsinteriors.com IG Handle: @the.everwoods Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Mitch, a commercial pilot who turned 90 acres of Maine forest into something truly unique in the short-term rental world: a fly-in cabin experience complete with its own FAA-registered runway. What started as a practical solution for getting his family from Pennsylvania to their beloved Maine quickly evolved into a destination that's capturing the imagination of pilots and non-pilots alike. From the initial market research in pilot Facebook groups to the "silverware stage" of outfitting a remote A-frame cabin, Mitch shares the realities of building a business around your passion while maintaining a demanding full-time career. We'll explore how his extensive travel experience staying in hotels worldwide informed his approach to hospitality, the unexpected joy he's found in guest feedback about children experiencing their first moose sighting, and why he believes investing in beauty and thoughtful details pays dividends in bookings. Whether you're dreaming of creating your own unique cabin experience or simply curious about what happens when aviation meets hospitality, this conversation offers insights into turning a personal passion project into a thriving business that's bringing families closer to nature—one landing at a time. Website: https://www.beavercreekmaine.com Booking Site: https://www.beavercreekmaine.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafIKuVOqEJUvn-K3WOQDorr3ImTq-JdC5YJ3sDU4WN-kfJB_8X4vDG6VOzQCQ_aem_OaHouid1brwllkSieN8XxA IG Handle: @beavercreekmaine Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today is a special episode, as it’s only the second one ever recorded IN PERSON. Rick and Charles are the charming inn keepers at The Hideaway Inn in Camden, Maine. We got to visit during our last trip to Maine, and it did NOT disappoint. After falling in love with New England during their first visit in 2021, this couple made the bold decision to leave their corporate careers on the West Coast and purchase a historic inn in a town they'd only visited a handful of times. What started as a romanticized dream quickly became reality when Charles arrived alone on Valentine's Day to begin renovations on a 1990s-era property that needed significant updating. From running between two separate kitchens during their first season to creating a space that blends the best of Airbnb's independence with an inn's personal touch, Charles and Rick share the realities of their "Hallmark movie" life change. We'll explore how they transformed the property while building deep connections in a tight-knit community, their approach to hosting that deliberately avoids the traditional front desk, and how they navigate working together 24/7 after 18 years as a couple. Whether you're dreaming of your own hospitality venture or simply curious about what happens when two corporate professionals trade boardrooms for breakfast service, this conversation offers both practical insights and heartwarming moments from their journey of creating a space where guests become friends and a house becomes a true hideaway. Website: https://www.hideawayinnmaine.com Booking Site: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/fXr5m3?currency=usd IG Handle: @hideawaymaine Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Ina, a 25-year-old chemist and Airbnb host whose riverside cabin in Concrete, Washington offers breathtaking views of the North Cascades. While many episodes focus on the joys of cabin ownership, today's conversation tackles a scenario that keeps many hosts awake at night: what happens when disaster strikes? Ina shares her harrowing experience of receiving a call that her cabin was on fire after guests checked out without extinguishing candles, and the subsequent seven-month battle with Airbnb's AirCover to receive compensation for the damages. From the initial shock and frustration of dealing with defensive guests who refused to acknowledge their role in the incident, to navigating the complexities of insurance claims and restoration work, Ina's story offers valuable lessons for hosts about emergency preparedness, documentation, and maintaining resilience through challenging circumstances. We'll explore how she managed cancellations during the long restoration process, the specific changes she made to prevent future incidents, and why—despite everything—she still finds joy and purpose in hosting. Whether you're a current host concerned about worst-case scenarios or someone considering entering the short-term rental market, this conversation provides both practical advice and emotional reassurance that even in the darkest moments of hosting, recovery is possible. Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/831983744737808549 IG Handle: @riverside.retreatPNW Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

This episode is from our very first month of the podcast, back in 2023, where we talked with Chris & Pam (the famous Dirt & Glass) about everything from how they got their start (hint: a hike, heartbreak, and an off-grid cabin in New York) to what makes a cabin photo truly stand out. They share insights on the evolution of cabin culture online, the behind-the-scenes process of working with cabin owners, and their deep commitment to not just aesthetics—but to curation, integrity, and connection. We also chat about the rise of short-term rentals, the importance of standing out as a host, and how a solid Instagram presence can make all the difference. Plus, we finally answer the important question: what is cabin fashion? If you're dreaming about a cabin, in the midst of building one, or just love to cozy up in flannel and scroll beautiful cabin photos, this one’s for you! Website: https://www.chrisdaniele.com Cabinpedia: https://www.chrisdaniele.com/cabinpedia IG Handles TikTok handle: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtandglass Booking Site Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're joined by Kitty Costello, a design enthusiast and short-term rental consultant who brings a refreshingly authentic approach to creating spaces that tell a story. After relocating from Silicon Valley to Maine's magical mid-coast in 2022, Kitty has embraced the local culture and channeled her natural design instincts into helping vacation rental owners transform ordinary spaces into memorable experiences. We'll explore how Kitty and her business partner Jen are reimagining the Airbnb landscape in Maine, one thoughtfully designed property at a time. From her philosophy that "DIY is the holy grail of getting to know yourself" to her fearless approach of breaking design rules, Kitty shares insights on creating spaces that reflect personality while making guests feel truly welcome. Whether you're curious about navigating the current challenges in the short-term rental market, finding your authentic design voice, or simply understanding what makes Mid-Coast Maine hospitality so special, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspirational ideas. Plus, we'll dive into some hot topics like property labels, pet-friendly policies, and the delicate balance of making a space feel personal without being intrusive. Get ready for a joyful, heartfelt discussion about creating vacation rentals that guests don't want to leave – and how sometimes the most memorable design choices come from being brave enough to try something different. WEBSITES www.crookedcape.com www.highfivesforhospitality INSTAGRAM @crookedcape @cozyrockcabin @cozycampsebec @cozycabinboone BOOKING SITES Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're joined by an amazing couple who embody what it means to create intentional spaces in the mountains of Utah. With over 11 years of hosting experience, they've transformed a treehouse and a 1970s hand-built cabin into magical retreats that offer more than just beautiful design—they create experiences that hold space for life's tender moments. We'll explore how they discovered these unique properties just steps from their own A-frame home, their philosophy of preservation over new construction, and the delicate balance they've found between real estate development and honoring the character of original spaces. Their approach to hospitality goes beyond business metrics, focusing instead on creating human connections and designing with purpose. From installing windows that frame perfect mountain views to replacing a planned glass floor with a hammock that became a guest favorite, their story reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful elements emerge from constraints. Whether you're curious about curating spaces that encourage disconnection from technology, handling the unique challenges of managing properties at 8,000 feet elevation, or simply creating experiences that help burnt-out travelers reconnect with nature and themselves, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt reflection. INSTAGRAM @theforggotencabins @cozyrockcabin @cozycampsebec @cozycabinboone BOOKING SITES The Forgotten Cabins Website: https://theforgottencabins.com Book the Treehouse Utah: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3635074?source_impression_id=p3_1745247103_P3w90uh9RJgavIWZ Book the Hideaway Utah: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/50888753?source_impression_id=p3_1745247121_P3nu3hsSyhGOmeMG Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Laura, a high school principal and passionate cabin owner in the Adirondack Mountains, who brings a uniquely educational perspective to the cabin ownership experience. From her beginnings as a home design blogger to managing two cabins while balancing a demanding career in education, Laura shares valuable insights on finding escape and renewal in mountain retreats. We'll explore how she transformed a "630 square foot ski chalet box" into a cozy getaway, navigated the unexpected shift when COVID hit just months after her purchase, and eventually expanded to a second A-frame cabin down the street. Laura opens up about the challenges and joys of maintaining properties that are "indoor-outdoor experiences" designed to push people into nature. Whether you're curious about the financial realities of cabin investment, the intersection of education and hospitality, or how cabin ownership can become part of your legacy planning, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and honest reflection. We'll dive into everything from the evolution of cabin culture on social media to finding the right collaborators for your property, and why thinking of your cabin as an extension of your creativity might be the most rewarding approach. INSTAGRAM @juniperhillcabin @cozyrockcabin @cozycampsebec @cozycabinboone BOOKING SITES Juniper Hill Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39966287?s=67&shared_item_type=1&sharer_id=234621258&virality_entry_point=1&source_impression_id=p3_1617653491_t4Q7DPNMrHCxr0bb Juniper Hill Aframe: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52171966?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=2afa8d6a-3d73-4d84-b409-30d4d175ab21&source_impression_id=p3_1744763229_P3kgZPDY2DoWLg43 Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027 Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026 Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051 Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com